Manchester Maccabi leave it late

Such a climax had looked unlikely, following Maccabi’s impressive first-half showing as they ran United ragged.

Adam Tauber headed the visitors in front after meeting Louis Basso’s free-kick and Stevens then fired home from the penalty spot to extend his side’s lead.

But Maccabi failed to maintain their dominance after the break with the home side fighting back to level proceedings.

Tameside looked the more likely winners, but with just seconds remaining, the visitors were awarded a penalty when Stevens was hacked down from behind.

United were reduced to ten men as one player took his verbal protests too far during a period where the game was halted for five minutes while the referee waved away the protests.

Stevens stepped up for the second time during the game, but his initial effort was parried by the goalkeeper.

But the Maccabi man reacted fastest to the rebound and smashed home to seal the win.

The drama wasn’t finished there though as the United keeper was then given his marching orders for foul and abusive language towards the referee.

But co-manager Tony Rosenberg was just thrilled to grab a late winner following a titanic tussle.

“It was a great match and it was played in a good spirit, despite the red cards,” he said.

“I thought we were tremendous in the first-half and played some fantastic football.

“Since losing to South Manchester in the Morrison, the effort of the players has been phenomenal.

“They’ve really knuckled down and worked hard, which is great to see because that defeat really knocked the stuffing out of us.

“We played really well and with five or six teenagers in the team, it was a great win.”

Co-manager Stuart Delmonte added: "That's two wins on the bounce now for the first time this season and I'm really pleased with the lads.

"We've still got a lot to play for this season with a cup quarter-final and lots of games in hand.

"The reaction since losing to South Manchester has been great and I'm delighted with the lads."